The last time a runner from Saratoga Springs or Shenendehowa didn't win the Section II Class AA/A girls' cross country championship, Maryanna Lansing was all of 2 years old.

Now, as a sophomore at Shaker High, Lansing is a legitimate threat to end the Saratoga-Shen dominance of the individual Section II championship.

She has a chance to be the first Shaker runner to win the crown since Krissy Haacke in 1990.

"I'm hoping to do better this season, I'm hoping my team and I can do well this season," Lansing said. "I'd like to come in top three again or maybe win sectionals this year. I tried to get a lot of miles in and had some hard workouts this summer."

Lansing started competing for Shaker as a seventh-grader and burst on the scene the next year with her win at the Grout Invitational at Central Park in Schenectady.

On the heels of a fifth-place finish at sectionals as an eighth-grader, Lansing was third at last year's Section II title meet.

Since Katie Twarog (Colonie) won the Section II title in 1999, Saratoga has had 11 champions and Shen's Lizzie Predmore earned two in what is traditionally a very competitive area for long-distance running.

"I think the better the competition, the more it makes you rise up to the occasion," Lansing said. "It has been a really good benefit."

Citing Lansing's solid work ethic, Shaker coach Marbry Gansle put together a rigorous training plan this summer with hopes it will pay off once the cross country season begins.

"We really pushed her this summer; her work ethic is unbelievable," Gansle said. "She really has big goals this year. She would love to be a state champion."

Lansing finished 12th at the state title meet after earning an at-large bid last year. And while she is looking to improve her own performance this season, Lansing is hoping for a good season for her team, too.

With sophomore Aubrey Martino and freshman Payton Czupil joining Lansing and senior Laura Libruk, Shaker has a solid foundation for this year and for the near future.

"We are looking strong this year, and I'm really hoping we can do well," Lansing said. "I think we can do well as long as we keep training hard."

Leah Triller, Sr., Holy Names: The senior leads a deep and talented squad looking to repeat as state champion.

Kaylee Scott, Jr., Holy Names: Placed second at sectionals and fourth at states last year for the state Class B champ.

Julia Zachgo, Fr., Shenendehowa: Gained experience last year when she qualified for the state meet as an eighth-grader.

Teams to watch

Holy Names: Defending Class B state champ is a major threat to repeat; has added talented sophomore Olivia Morrow, who transferred from Saratoga.

Saratoga Springs: Heavy losses to key seniors will hurt, but the cupboard is never bare for the Blue Streaks, winners of 13 straight sectional titles.

Burnt Hills: Always tough, the Spartans are the most capable challengers to Holy Names for the Class B title.

Meets to watch

Queensbury Invitational (Sept. 25, Queensbury H.S.): The site of the state championship meet in November, the invitational figures to draw top teams from around the state.

Section II Championships (Nov. 1, Queensbury, H.S.): The meet leaves its traditional home of Saratoga State Park for Queensbury, so runners can tune up on the course where the state championship will be held eight days later.